The Science Department organised an Educational Visit to Belfast Zoo for all our Year 9 pupils.

 The boys got the opportunity to view many of the 140 types of animals, many of which are under threat in their natural habitat.

The visits took place over two days, Tuesday 30^th March and Wednesday 14^th April 2010.  Although the first date was a very cold and wet day this did not dampen the spirits of our lads as they ran excitedly from one area to the other to catch a glimpse of the next species of animal.

The second date took place after Easter on a beautiful sunny day which showed the zoo and the animals in their full glory.  This group of enthusiastic boys paced the high slopes of the Cavehill at speed, darting from the giraffes to the Colobus monkeys to the gorilla house not to forget the sea-lions and penguins.

 The entire trip was a great success, for many of our boys it was their first trip to the zoo – but judging by their cries as we tried to round them up to go back on the bus – it will not be their last.

Comments from the boys:

I loved the meercats, they were so cool able to stand on their hind legs

Christopher Allsopp 9C

My day at the zoo was amazing, having fun with my friends and teachers. The sea lions were so cool, you could even see them swimming under the water.

Conor Molloy 9C

I had great fun at the zoo. My best animals were the prairie dogs, we were able to sit on the grass and watch them pop up out of their burrows.

Michael Dorrian 9C

I liked the Rainforest House; the sloth was climbing along the ropes, hanging upside down.

Tiarnan Cahill 9S

My favourite was the Lemurs, they chased after us and ‘barked’ at us, but best of all I liked them lying basking in the sun with their four legs in the air.

Matthew Nesbitt 9S

I loved the Cockatoo – it was making weird noises and it had a great hairstyle.

Joseph Owens 9S

I really liked the four Barbary Lions, they came up really close and one roared at us – it scared the life out of me!

Darren O’Neill 9S